Living in Babylon
When the Cross Clashes with Babylon
Philippians 3:17-21
On this Fourth of July holiday weekend, we have a unique opportunity to discuss the struggle many Christians are feeling as they attempt to live as citizens of heaven while also citizens on earth. Living in Babylon (or St. Louis) with all of its Babylon-ness and attempting to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ isn't easy. What does it look like? Let's allow God's word to answer the question.
OUTLINE
The Struggle with Dual Citizenship
Citizens of Heaven
• Walk in a Different Direction (vv. 17-18)
• Have Different Desires (vv. 18-19a)
• Think Differently (v. 19b)
• Arrive at a Different Destination (vv. 20-21)
Series Information
The term Babylon is synonymous with a “pagan” culture, or non-Christian territory. Babylon in the O.T. was considered the enemy, the people who defeated the Israelites and made them exiles in a strange and foreign land that was not their home. In the same way, Christian believers who desire to live as children of God are feeling the effects of living in a changing post-Christian, even anti-Christian America.